School Transport

Wednesday, 28 January 2026

Questions (52)

Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin

Question:

52. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if Bus Éireann will consider extending the upper age limit for school bus drivers from the current cut-off point of 70 years to 75 years or beyond, provided that drivers are medically fit given that there is no legal upper age limit in the State requiring a person to cease driving; his views that such a change could help alleviate shortages of school bus drivers around the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6690/26]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

The School Transport Scheme is a substantial national operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.

The retirement age for school bus drivers has been set by Bus Éireann at 70 years of age, which also applies to all Bus Éireann road passenger services.

The policy and criteria also apply to drivers nominated by private operators who operate services as part of the School Transport Scheme, provided they hold the requisite license and satisfy an annual medical examination until they retire at age 70.

Under the new Programme for Government, a commitment has been made to "Carry out an independent assessment on the feasibility of removing the exclusion of drivers aged over 70 from the School Transport Scheme".

There is ongoing engagement between the Department and Bus Éireann to advance this commitment as quickly as possible.